Tullibardine 2004 The Murray / Bot.2016

In 2016 Tullibardine launched the so-called Marquess Collection in which they present historical figures rather than an age statement. Ouch, that did not come out right. After all, the label clearly states this is distilled in 2004, so if you calculate quickly you will realize this malt is about 12 years old. The first in the series – The Murray – is in honor of Lord William Murray, the Marquess of Tullibardine. The nose starts on gummi bears and freshly sawn planks, before offering up some summery fruit. Thank mandarin, nectarine and mango, but also a fresh apple and some gooseberries. In all honesty: it works. It is wonderfully oily, but piquant. Very sweet again, almost candy-like, but the spices become quite loud. Think chili peppers and a bit of ginger. Loads of citrus now. Midpalate it becomes a tad floral. Lavender? Close, at least. I did not need this. The finish is quite long and spicy, but the floral element slowly creeps in and becomes dominant. It starts to lean towards perfume. Clearly first fill bourbon with a bit of too loud spices, but okay for the rest. Around 55 EUR for a 12 year old malt at cask strength? That’s actually quite nice. I did enjoy the nose.

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